I plug it into the USB slot in my laptop(it's a WorldBook) and the blue light turns on, but then it won't let me open it. I can perform the "Safely Remove Hardware" action on it, but I cannot access any of the files within. Help would be appreciated.

Actions already taken: Restart computer, System Restore, Restart with Hard Drive unplugged and Plugged.

HALP

 

Make and model would be appreciated. Also, OS version.

cannot halp unless moar given

 

the laptop is HP, OS is Vista, and The HD is a WorldBook(it says WD on the side)

 

It is. A "My Book World Edition" is also a NAS (Network Attached Storage), which is connected to the Router (or Switch) of a network, rather than directly to the computer. The USB port is for storage expansion, i.e. attaching another drive to the WD.

In short: RTFM